The Northrop T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, supersonic jet trainer aircraft developed in the late 1950s. It was designed to train pilots for the United States Air Force and has been in service since 1961. The T-38 is known for its sleek design and agility, making it an effective platform for teaching advanced flying skills. With a maximum speed of around 1,320 miles per hour, the T-38 can perform various maneuvers, simulating the performance of front-line fighter jets. It has been used by several countries and remains a key component of pilot training programs, including those for the NASA astronaut program.